History: Laurence C. Duff began his career in Calgary, Alberta as an apprentice for Western Printing and Lithography from 1940 to 1941 and an employee of Hicks Engraving from 1942 to 1943. After the Second World War he went back to Western Printing as a cameraman and lithographer. By 1950 he had married Elizabeth. In 1954 he opened Duffoto Process Co. Ltd., a photoengraving and offset printing business, at 229A-7th Avenue SE, and in 1964 the business moved to 118-4th Avenue SW. By 1960 Duffoto had expanded into photography and silkscreening, and by 1970 it was a full-fledged graphic arts service including commercial photography, colour movies and sound, and art and design. Lawrence established a real estate dealership called Lawrence C. Duff Holdings Ltd. ca. 1975 and operated it out of the same address as the graphic arts business until ca. 1980. In 1982 Duffoto moved to 203-38th Avenue NE, and in 1986 to 201-38th Avenue NE.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of photographs (some aerial or birdseye views) of buildings, businesses, industries, events, personalities and clubs in Calgary and other Alberta towns and cities (1950s-1970s).